hellogoodbyesummer.

For those that don't follow me on instagram....

Speaking of instagram, I've completely neglected my real camera - hence, my lack of posts. That, and my love/hate relationship with technology. In April, I attempted writing a post about a wedding that I was in. Things got complicated, and I broke up with my blog.

*Yes, April. It is now mid-August. Huh?!

Let's try this again.

We are heading to Tybee Island tomorrow! My beloved camera will be around my neck all weekend, and I'll be in full-blown tourist mode.

Wednesday at The Mint.

Nerd Alert.

I really love art history and museums of all kinds. I fell in love with Monet at the National Gallery in London, and I've always been a big fan of Matisse and his colorful interiors. My true dream would be to visit The Met, but right now I'll "settle" for a slight variation in phonetics -The Mint. Plus, we're members of the Arts and Science Council, which means buy one get one free admissions! Yeeeahhh.

Last photo: a few souvenirs, because I'm a hardcore sentimentalist.

Baby Cakes.

Sorry for 5 photos of the exact same thing, but didn't these guys turn out cute? I got a BabyCakes maker for Christmas (definitely recommended), and decided that Valentine's Day was the perfect time to whip it out. Next time I post, I'll do a step-by-step tutorial because... I finally mastered the art of cake pop magic! The first batch of 3 dozen that I made turned out looking like little acorns. Fail. This time, instead of using boxed cake mix, I followed the recipe included for a thicker batter and they baked up perfectly :) I'm thinking wedding themed pops for Kelsey's bridal luncheon in April?

I heart it.

I'll always be a sucker for Valentine's Day and all things lovey dovey, or really just any excuse to exercise my love of crafting. I dug through my paper drawer and pulled out every sheet that resembled a doiley, was pink, red, or covered in hearts. Crafting is serious business. The majority of my Tuesday morning was spent making cards, before Bud picked me up for our date!

Of course that date included a late movie. Of course I chose The Vow. Of course I cried my eyes out. (Of course Bud laughed at me.) Of course I'm going to buy it as soon as it comes out of DVD.

*It also included dessert from Amelies! Fruit tartlets, macarons, chocolate pastries, I could go on...

**Yes, that is a photo-a-day cat calendar. Valentine's Day kitty was so cute :)

Monkeying Around.

My life goal is to become a professional adventurer, but until then, I'll continue browsing millions of job inquiry sites in search of an entry level healthcare/wellness position. That is my excuse for the lack of blog posts recently.

It wasn't a big adventure, but we did have a little fun yesterday. Bud and I drove down to Columbia to visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens! Again. Our third Zoo trip within the past two years and we're okay with that.

We somehow managed to choose the only fridgid winter day that we've had this year; completely unprepared might I add. I'm notorious for dressing the opposite of weather-appropriate, but you can't blame me with this warm winter. Don't get me wrong - we had such a fun time together. There were a total of maybe 7 families walking around, so we had free reign of each exhibit! This worked in my favor when I wanted to take a nap inside the aquarium (walking around in the cold is exhausting.. and well, cold), and linger with the Lorikeets.

I really love the zoo, especially THIS zoo because it is colorful and interactive.

Snapshots.

Some instagram photos to summarize my life lately. I haven't been on many adventures this month (I've been a book worm), but I promise to update soon!

Home away from home.

Spanish moss, vintage cruisers, and little details.

Rainbow houses and cobblestone streets.

Towering steeples, palmettos, secret gardens, and wrought iron gates.

Colorful window boxes, park benches, and a favorite lowcountry treat - benne wafers!

I love living in North Carolina. Especially because you can drive 2 hours in one direction and find yourself nestled in the mountains, under starry skies. Or, drive 3 hours in the opposite direction, and you're in the sunny lowcountry! Visiting Charleston kind of feels like visiting a foreign country. There isn't another place quite like it.

My cousin is about to have a baby (!!), so my aunt hosted the cutest little baby shower for her this weekend. On Saturday morning, mom and I ventured a few hours south for yet another 24 hour trip to Charleston. I'm glad we got to walk around before heading back home. Sometimes I just want to hide in one of those secret gardens and never leave this pretty place! 

Two projects.

My latest gem: DIY anthro-inspired necklace!

I made one for a Christmas present, but had left over supplies so I made one for myself as well.

I had some trouble finding perfect beads for the project (Michael's only had a plastic tub of multi-colored ones and I didn't want to settle). So, I improvised and stained unfinished wood beads myself with some hardwood flooring stain that I found in our cabinet! It took longer to stain the beads than to make the necklace, which I strung together using wire - sans directions, after realizing that this pin from pinterest wasn't a tutorial.

Regardless, I think it turned out cute. :)


Next up: Collage wall

Yesterday, Kristin and I took a day trip to The Depot. Yes, it took the better part of our day to wander the entire warehouse and I'm not complaining! I mainly wanted a happy dose of inspiration, but was pleased to find a collection of perfectly shabby frames. The right side of my room was off balance, and I've always loved a good collage wall. Once I find something to go inside of the big teal frame, it will be complete! I'm thinking a print from Rifle Paper Co.